More in the Morning: Free transport service arrives in Cape Coral

In Fort Myers, the free, eco-friendly transport service called The Nickel Ride has been running routes in the downtown area since August. The company CEO says beginning Friday, the service will expand into the downtown portion of South Cape Coral.

Tuesday, November 28th 2017, 9:40 AM EST

Updated:

Tuesday, November 28th 2017, 12:22 PM EST

Getting around downtown in any city can be a hassle when traffic flow is plenty. In Fort Myers, the free, eco-friendly transport service called The Nickel Ride has been running routes in the downtown area since August.

The company CEO says beginning Friday, December 1st, the service will expand into the downtown portion of South Cape Coral.

The Nickel Ride is able to provide free rides around Fort Myers and Cape Coral via advertising invested from local businesses.

"We can let people know what your dinner specials are, or what you have for lunch," said Nickel Ride CEO Judah Longgrear. "Obviously we can help share that message around."

To use the service, you simply call 855-WE-R-FREE (855-937-3733) and request a ride. There's also an app that will be available Dec. 15 for iOS and Android devices where you can spot where Nickel Ride transports are.

If you've noticed, I haven't referred to The Nickel Ride as a "cab" or "ride-sharing" service, because it doesn't quite fit in those categories since its free and you don't need to split the cost with a fellow passenger.

Longgrear says the service expands behind just providing transport and instead creates a unique travel experience; not to mention it is a safety measure for when a passenger has had too much to drink.

“We’re able to pick somebody up from there condo," said Longgrear. "Not only pick them up but make sure that we take them back to their house safely without them having to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.“

To work as a driver for The Nickel Ride, Judah Longgrear says they put an applicant through the same process another employer might.

“All of our drivers will pass a background check," said Longgrear. "We'll make sure they have a great driving record, and obviously we want somebody who is going to be friendly.”